PRC accepting comments on USPS request to close branches

The Postal Regulatory Commission will hold a pre-hearing conference on July 30 at 9:30am to hear public views on the US Postal Service's recent proposal to close some of its retail stations and branches.

The USPS filed a request for review with the PRC on July 2. The agency cited the current financial crisis and the continuing decline in mail volume as the reasons behind the proposed changes.

The PRC will review whether or not cuts to postal outlets would constitute a change in the nature of postal services on a nationwide level.

Deadline for notices of intervention, requests for hearings and required statements for the upcoming hearing is July 28.

In its docket, the PRC was hesitant to forecast a timeline for a decision. “At this time, the Commission cannot anticipate the duration, or even the exact form, proceedings on this matter will take,” the filing said.